Town centre begging problems MUST be reported

PEOPLE have been reminded to report to the police any incidents of begging in Yeovil town centre.

The problem of begging in the town centre increases during the warmer months where people ask shoppers for money.

A police spokesman said that on some occasions these individuals can ‘sometimes become persistent and intimidating’ if no cash is handed over.

‘’If anyone experiences problems with begging in the town centre and would be willing to help us combat this issue by providing a statement, then please contact us,’’ added the spokesman.

Shoppers have often complained about begging in the town centre and some of the locations where they sit.

One shopper said: ''I've seen beggars sit virtually underneath the cash point machines at banks. It is totally out-of-order.

''I do have sympathy for people who find themselves homeless - but they've got no chance of getting any charity out of me if they persist with begging.

''Also is it just me - or do we only see people begging in the town centre during the summer months? Is it that they only need money during the warmer months?

''The only way this problem can be dealt with properly is by people reporting all incidents of begging to the police so that they can clamp down on it and make arrests, if necessary.''

Police can be contacted on the non-emergency number of 101.

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